6H30 tubes ringing in BAT VK-300SE

i have a pair of raytheon 5814wa that ring when i tap on the preamp or even the stand. i use herbies and they still do it. the tubes sound great and vibration from the speakers don't seem to effect the sound. people tell me just don't tap on the preamp and that there are some great sounding tubes that do it.

This happens to me with my vk-32se. Not sure if it is the tubes but frankly it seems to only happen when cold and is never audible when listening. I wouldn't let it bother you.

This dovetails on the information that Rello gave you.

I do not believe rolling your tubes will be a solution for you.

My VK 32SE preamp also pings/clicks, only when the volume is at 0 and turned it up from there. I do not have the right words to describe technically what is going on. But it has something to do with the current being released into the output stages causing a small vibration within the chassis. The mount that holds the tube within the chassis is not well damped so the tube picks up the vibration thus you hear the click of the output stage engaging followed by a small ping from the tube vibrating. This could also be going on with your 300SE integrated. Though it is a solid state, the preamp stage on it is based on the VK-30 tube series designs.

On my VK 32se This ping is only heard when you turn the volume up from zero. Never heard anything when I am up and rocking. My dealer suggested I could try using a tube damper to alleviate the problem. I do not know if its worth the time and trouble. So I have not done it. If it bothers you though, I would suggest you approach your BAT dealer and discuss it with them. Or contact Victor at BAT directly.

In my system I have just decided to live with it. Their is no affect to the sound quality or enjoyment of the unit. I just consider it a part of the turn on characteristics of the preamp. Just as like the little pops you hear when an amp powers up.

You will want to look into re tubing though if you hear a snap, crackle,, and popping or as you play music. That does mean the tube are tired and do need replacing.

Some tubes sellers will test for microphonics, and that is what you are describing - microphonic tubes, something I have always insisted on for critical phono stage tubes. Have you approached it from that POV. It is not typically provided gratis with a purchase. I've never used 6h30's but I can see no reason why this service would not be available.

FWIW.

Walkertm: My 51SE behaves like your BAT pre. I think this is a "undocumented feature" of either the preamp or just the tube, doesn't effect sound qaulity, and I've never worried about it in the 10 yrs I've owned my 50SE now 51SE...

My guess is the mute relay is close enough that when the relay engages/disengages that mechanical process jiggles the tubes just enough for the pinging sound.

You don't have anything to worry about in my opinion. Save your money on tube rolling and just enjoy that BAT sound, you have a killer integrated amp !